NAACP Urban League

What are the organizations all about? Urban League – Functions of the group can be tailored based on the needs of the population Professional development for the community Bloomington/Normal chapter focuses on training and aiding young professionals High school transitions, tutoring, college prep, college financial aid, and career choices NAACP – Largest civil rights organization in the world 350 members in the local chapter Overlooks political plays affecting minority citizens Just celebrated 100 years of establishment

How did each of you get involved with your organization and what were some challenges you faced? Urban League – Began by being involved with groups in college that dealt with minority issues Joined Urban League Young Professionals in 2008 One challenge was the accessibility of the group – she sought them out The Urban League is also challenged with raising membership numbers, apathy, time, and resources NAACP – Activist since high school Worked his way up from Treasurer to President He has been in the President position for twelve years

Why do you think there is a need for your organization in this community? Urban League – Increase in diversity with the movement of many families into the area Need to address educational needs of minorities, juvenile justice, and transitions into adulthood Need for representing the voice of African Americans in the community Outlet for the voices of young people NAACP– Increase parent involvement in the education of minorities Open good lines of communication with the local authorities Working with senior citizens and their financial situations as pertaining to new legislation Focusing on human and civil liberties

Who does your organization represent in the community? Urban League – Open to represent all people Mostly geared toward African Americans Young Professionals group targets the age group NAACP– Primarily represent people of color Anyone can use the group to file a complaint Will not show discrimination in representation of other groups

Why do you feel this particular group is underrepresented? What is the biggest concern for minorities in this area? Urban League – No collective concern No collective vision and goal – most are individualistic Concern is kids dropping out of school, bullying issues, gang violence, and teenage pregnancies People need to step in and address these issues, particularly in minority groups NAACP– Lack of cultural/historical activities for minorities Harsh dating pool for African Americans Need to utilize the family orientated nature of the community and the diversity that the universities in town bring

What does your organization do within the community to fill the gaps or fix the issues that cause this group to be underrepresented? Urban League – Sorting clothes for people living in the local mission Offer tutoring and working with the STEM Initiative Education families about new Universal Health Care Law Currently doing many food/clothing drives, but would like to focus more on community education NAACP– Huge proponent of education Worked with State Farm to write the “Achievement Matters” program Offering summer school scholarships for District 87 Setting up a mentoring program for the youth of the community

How does your organization assist in relations between people from different cultures? Urban League – Working with Hispanic community’s struggle with language barriers and educational needsWorking with Hispanic community’s struggle with language barriers and educational needs Offering workshops on specific issuesOffering workshops on specific issues The above are processes done at the national level – looking to implement them locally as wellThe above are processes done at the national level – looking to implement them locally as well NAACP– Formed partnerships with other organizations like the Indian Association, Hispanic Organization, and a few Chinese organizationsFormed partnerships with other organizations like the Indian Association, Hispanic Organization, and a few Chinese organizations Organizing food drivesOrganizing food drives Warn other organizations what too look out for in the communityWarn other organizations what too look out for in the community

What kinds of responses have you received from your work in the community? How do you know if your efforts are working? NAACP– Positive reception from community Community believes in upholding civil rights – yet measures success by seeing an increase of minorities in community leadership positions NAACP wants the best candidate elected, but encourages minorities to take leaderships positions when applicable

How can outsiders or non-minorities get involved with your organization? Urban League– Show up! Become involved in the issues of people who are at risk in our community Volunteer for Urban League events Spread the word about Urban League NAACP– Log on to website or call Check for local advertisements Anyone can pay the $35/year in membership dues and become a member

How do you feel civil rights will evolve in the future? Urban League– In the 60s people knew where to go with issues because leaders were vocal and visible Some confusion now about who to turn to, movements are more community based now Changes are happening from the inside out – but there is still a lack of attention to the disparities of poverty and education in our community

Do you feel there will be a time where we do not need the NAACP or the Urban League? NAACP– In other countries, racism is not an issues – unfortunately it was a part of the U.S. from the beginning Personalities are put before principles Issues are always deeper than they appear, but many are easily discouraged He hopes to be put out of a job because the NAACP is no longer necessary Urban League– We won’t need these organizations if we focus on pleasing people and working through the issues.

For people in the education field, how can we move forward with the information in which you provided? NAACP– Spread the story of the NAACP Remind students of its roots in a multi-cultural community Urban League– Community needs to get involved in education YP need to get into the schools to speak with students Spread the word about organizations set-up to help those at risk

What advice do you have for young adults of this community as they approach graduation about the challenges they may face? NAACP– Talk to students about civic engagement Students need to get out of their “box” and engage other members of the community Get involved with an organization like the NAACP Don’t sit and whine, get involved! Urban League– Students hold the power to change the community – their involvement is imperative We cannot avoid our problems Students should address issues like poverty and violence Push forward and never give up!